US DELIVERY GIANTS UPS and FedEx have grounded their fleets of McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo planes “out of an abundance of caution” following a deadly crash at Louisville International Airport that killed at least 14 people earlier this week.

The UPS aircraft, a 34-year-old MD-11 freighter bound for Hawaii, crashed late on Tuesday, erupting into flames moments after takeoff from the company’s Worldport hub in Kentucky.

Investigators say the plane reached just 100 feet before veering off the runway, losing an engine from its left wing and colliding with nearby buildings in a massive fireball.

Both delivery giants said on yesterday that they were acting on the recommendation of the aircraft’s manufacturer, Boeing, which acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997.

“Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of safety, we have made the decision to temporarily ground our MD-11 fleet,” UPS said in a statement, noting that the aircraft type makes up about 9% of its fleet.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our employees and the communities we serve.”

FedEx, which operates 28 of the tri-engine planes, said it would conduct “a thorough safety review” while grounding its own MD-11 fleet.

“Safety is our highest priority,” the company said, adding that contingency plans were being put in place to minimise disruptions.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash.

Officials said cockpit recordings captured a warning bell sounding just seconds after takeoff as the pilots attempted to regain control.

The aircraft’s left engine detached during the roll, and the wing was on fire as the crew fought to keep the plane airborne.

UPS and FedEx together operate more than 50 MD-11s globally, though production of the model ended in 2000.

Boeing has not yet commented publicly on its recommendation to ground the fleet.

UPS’s Louisville hub, one of the world’s largest package-handling facilities, resumed limited operations on Wednesday night.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said on yesterday that authorities were still identifying victims and assessing damage from the crash.

“We pray for each of the victims’ families and pray that no additional victims are lost,” he said.

With reporting from Press Association